KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor defender Harith Haiqal has admitted that the absence of captain Safuwan Baharuddin and Noor Rawabdeh due to injuries have left a big impact on the team ahead of two important assignments coming up.
The Red Giants will take on Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in a AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) match at the Petaling Jaya City Stadium today and then need to prepare for a crucial Super League match against Johor Darul Ta’zim on Sunday.
Safuwan is nursing a knee injury while Rawabdeh has announced that he is in for a long break after picking up an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The Jordan-born player has scored seven goals for Selangor this season.
“The absence of Safuwan and Noor have an impact on the team but we have to continue with the players we have,” said Harith.
“I think with the absence of these two players there are others who can fill that void and they are also quality players. I hope they can help the team.”
He added that they are aware that Jeonbuk are a good team so they will play more compact to hopefully disrupt their flow.
Harith also described 2024 as the best year for him as he is now one of the main pillars for the team this season.
“This year I think as long as I am in Selangor, I can say this year has been one of the best for me,” he said.
“I am regularly picked to be in the starting line-up and also got a call for the national team and recently made my debut, so Alhamdulillah, this is a blessing from God.”
Selangor are now second in Group H behind Jeonbuk with four points from one win and one draw.
Nidzam Jamil’s side need to get at least one point at home to keep their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages open as only the top two teams in each group will advance to the last 16.
